Who We AreFounded in 1999, Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a statewide nonprofit with a central office in Columbia, Md., and staff located in communities throughout the state. Using our personal experience caring for loved ones with behavioral health needs, we connect, support and empower Maryland's families and advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges, including support to caregivers of loved ones with problem gambling.OverviewMCF is hiring a Family Peer Support Referral Specialist to serve as the initial contact point for families that have reached out to MCF for information or support, as well as providing family peer support to families in the lower shore region who have a loved one with substance use challenges. The Referral Specialist is responsible for providing a welcoming environment to families and maintaining a positive relationship with referral sources by providing excellent customer service. The Referral Specialist is responsible for assisting families through the intake process and assigning them to a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS).Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesReferral Specialist Responsibilities:Serves as the initial point of contact for families and referral sources.Communicates clearly and regularly with families and referring entities at each step of the intake process.Assesses and triages families' needs and provides immediate support and resources when necessary.Conducts in-depth intake with care and compassion to ensure thorough understanding of family's needs that will inform decisions about assignment to FPSS.Ensures all information is entered into MCF database in a timely manner.Provides information, support and services to families seeking only one-time interaction or provides a warm hand-off of families to an FPSS when further sustained engagement is needed.Conducts empowerment surveys with all incoming families; oversees the collection of satisfaction and empowerment surveys from families after closure.Family Peer Support Responsibilities:Provide support, encouragement, and education to help families, caregivers and allies who care about someone with behavioral health needs navigate behavioral health, social, legal, educational and health care systems.Offer a strengths-based, non-judgmental, solutions-oriented approach to helping families, caregivers and allies identify challenges and needs and develop a plan to overcome them.Educate families, caregivers and allies about available resources and facilitate access as needed.Educate families, caregivers, and allies regarding their rights in various systems.Support families, caregivers, and allies to be equal partners in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating plans of care or service.Facilitate educational workshops for families, caregivers and allies related to behavioral health topics or other subjects relevant to the community.Build and maintain strong, positive partnerships with behavioral health, child-serving agencies, and other service providers.QualificationsPersonal experience as a primary caregiver or loved one caring for a family member with behavioral health needs is required.Must live in Wicomico, Somerset or Worcester County.Outstanding customer service skills required to build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers.Active listening skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multi-step processes effectively and efficiently.Experience with triage and assessment of needs srongly preferred.Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, internet search engines, virtual platforms and utilizing database systems to review, analyze information and generate reports.Familiarity with state and local resources available to support the needs of families.Strong written and oral communication skills.Successful completion of a background check.Current Maryland driver's license and access to own vehicle; limited in-state travel required.Hours/CompensationFull time - 40 hours/weekFlexible work scheduleSalary is $18 per hour with full benefits packageTo ApplyTo be considered for this position, apply on our website , by submitting your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position and relevant experience as a caregiver of a person with behavioral health challenges.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please.DiversityIn line with MCF's commitment to building a talented and inclusive staff, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination.